There are chefs and then there are genius’s in the kitchen. Chef Will Artley stands at the forefront of the DC areas geniuses in the kitchen. Seeing him depart from Evening Star Café was bitter sweet after finding out he was only moving up the street to Pizzeria Orso. What a relief. I recently visited Chef Artley at his new home and it looks like he’s made quite a name for himself in the neighborhood in a short period of time. The regulars waved as they entered and departed the restaurant, the staff cracked a few jokes with him here and there, and the menu has his signature all over it.

Brussels Chips (*Brussel Sprout Chips)

While bites like the Arancini, Tater Tots and Brussels Chips can leave you lusting for more, it’s the pizza that’s the real show stopper. Keeping with the Neapolitan style pizza, Chef Artley keeps it not only thin but simple. The Margherita DOC was my favorite (Tomato, bufala mozzarella and basil) where the comfort dish is necessary after a long day/week in a DC office.

Arancini Balls @ Pizzeria Orso

Of the many flavor combinations and out-the-box recipes I have witnessed Chef Artley concoct, on this night it was his explanation of using sourdough versus yeast dough to create his pizzas. Sourdough is a rarity around these parts and the contrast in taste is evident in Orso’s pizza. Because Pizzeria Orso prides itself on maintaining the traditional Neapolitan style pizza, the dough is NEVER refrigerated. Fresh sourdough pizza every day?? Yes, please.

Spinach & Feta Ravioli

A trip across the bridge is often necessary when a chef like Chef Artley is making the food. The creativity, taste and welcome feeling that you get at Orso are reason enough for me to return. Italy may not be around the corner but a trip to Orso is…pizza night, anyone??

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Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Washington, DC and North Carolina. All three places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. Johnna is currently airing on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host.

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If you like bacon and/or bourbon, this is the week to get out and have all that your heart desires. See deets below: The Washington City Paper will hold its annual Bacon & Bourbon whiskey festival at the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain on Thursday, December 8th. Guests are invited to taste their way through more […]

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Struggling to figure out what to get the foodie in your life? Dean & Deluca, king’s of this food grocer game, are making it easy for you this holiday season. On Thursday, December 8th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Dean & DeLuca invites guests to browse and shop the store’s gifting options, discover new […]